Article Text
Abstract
Objective This study investigated the use of a continuous parasacral sciatic nerve block for anesthesia and postoperative analgesia for lower extremity surgery.
Methods A continuous parasacral sciatic nerve block was performed in two patients (triple ankle arthrodesis and below-knee amputation). The sacral plexus was identified using an insulated Tuohy needle and a nerve stimulator. A catheter was placed near the elements of the sacral plexus via the Tuohy needle.
Results In both patients, surgical anesthesia was successfully established through the parasacral catheter with lidocaine 1% (1/200,000 epinephrine), and postoperative analgesia was successfully established with a bolus of bupivacaine 0.375% (1/200,000 epinephrine) and maintained with a continuous infusion of bupivacaine 0.1% (8 mL/h) for 48 hours.
Conclusion We conclude that continuous parasacral sciatic nerve block can provide anesthesia and long-term analgesia for operative procedures of the foot and leg.
- regional anesthesia
- local anesthesia
- sciatic nerve
- obturator nerve
- saphenous nerve
- sacral plexus